Air Ronge council is considering the creation of ski trails near Gordon Denny Community School. (ID 61380150 | Abstract © Anyaberkut | Dreamstime.com)

By Derek Cornet

outdoor fun

Air Ronge council to consider winter park development near elementary school

Dec 18, 2025 | 2:00 PM

Air Ronge Coun. Dave Smallwood is proposing the village allow for the creation of a winter park in a forested area adjacent to Gordon Denny Community School.

His plan calls for a 12-foot-wide trail cleared by a skid steer through swamp and scrub brush. Using a medal drag, a snowmobile or quad would then make a trail through the snow for cross-country, skate or classic skiing, as well as snowshoeing around the perimeter.

An inner trail would also be designated as a walking path and would allow access for land-based education.

“We have a big cross-country ski program at Gordon Denny,” Smallwood explained.

“There’s probably about 230 kids there, plus kids in other surrounding schools. We do have amazing ski trails out at Don Allen, but so many kids can’t get access to it.”

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Smallwood noted the School Community Council has agreed to pay for the alteration to the fence on the north side of Gordon Denny, which will require a six-foot opening to allow access for the snowmobile or quad and groomer. He added trail grooming would be at no cost to the village.

The proposed area for the winter park development. (Village of Air Ronge)

The project already has the full support of Gordon Denny, the Northern Lights School Division and the La Ronge Ski Club.

While nearby residents can expect a public consultation letter soon, the project has yet to receive the go ahead by council.

“Our issue is we have so much going on with the village and so few staff,” Smallwood said.

“It’s a matter of coming to an agreement on what we feel is the best usage of the personnel. We’re there for the residents, but everyone has their view of what’s important.”

La Ronge Ski Club President Matt Koebernick wrote a letter of approval to Air Ronge council for the project to proceed. He stated a forested, beginner friendly ski trail would be an excellent addition to the tri-communities.

“A trail system like this in the village, including future ski terrain at Gordon Denny Community School (which is next to the land in question), would allow for cross-country ski opportunities for students at Gordon Denny Community School as part of either their physical education program or as part of the school’s cross-country ski club,” Koebernick remarked.

“It would also provide an additional venue for weekend or evening ski club provided children and youth ski programs.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com